After Hours Shopping in Mount Dora? Join-us for the All-New "Downtown After Dark!"

In conjunction with the 2nd Friday Gallery Walk, many downtown businesses will be open for your shopping pleasure.  Come on out and enjoy a fabulous evening of art, shopping and dining in Mount Dora.

Florida Highwayman Artist R.L. Lewis in Mount Dora

Em'z on Fifth Fashion Show & Ladies Luncheon

V.I.P. - Visitor Incentive Program

Do you need some incentive to Play, Shop, Dine & Stay in Mount Dora?  Try these offerings from many Mount Dora businesses who would love to have you visit.

V.I.P. - Visitor Incentive Program

20% off at La Petite Maison with this coupon!!

Sale of a Lifetime Through Today Only!!

The Wine & Beer Clubs of Maggie’s Attic; Bring the flavor-filled fun home...

Step from the white-washed, sunny, Florida day into the rich welcome of Maggie’s Attic and know that you may be entering a room filled with strangers, but by the time you leave, you’re waving good-bye to friends. Maggie’s Attic is a smooth and tasty, friend-filled experience and now you can bring a sip of Maggie’s Attic home with you.

The Wine and Beer Clubs of Maggie’s Attic serve up some of the world’s most fantastic wines and beers, all shipped to your home so you can create some of the Maggie’s Magic right in your own sanctuary.

Choose from four options: Two Wine Clubs, One Beer Society or One Split Club.

Offering the palate a choice, Maggie’s lets you choose from; Maggie’s Wine Club where you’ll enjoy two wines chosen specially each month, enjoying your pick from two reds, two whites or one each.

Maggie’s Gold Club tips the bottle a little higher for those who enjoy very fine wines. Each month you’ll enjoy either two upper tier or one high-end bottle.

Maggie’s Beer Society is for those who enjoy the brews, offering members each month two different 750-ml beer selected from micro brews and special seasonal brews from around the world.

Maggie’s Split Club members enjoy one bottle of 750ml beer and one bottle of Maggie’s wine. For those couples who have an individual flair while tripping the light fantastic together.

The Wine and Beer Clubs do require a minimum three month commitment, and longer options are available, but you’ll settle into a warm and rich routine as each month your new selection arrives: plan a date night, hit the beach, or settle by the fire. However you enjoy your Maggie’s Wine and Beer Club selection is as diverse and personal as you are.

Know a special-someone who might enjoy this tasty adult beverage treat? Send them a Wine of Beer Club Gift.

For those of us who are in Central Florida, on vacation, a getaway, business, or because we call our Florida-paradise home, Maggie’s Attic is easily gotten to in Central Florida. Roughly 45 minutes from Walt Disney World, Maggie’s is the perfect adult escape in a perfect adult escape town - Mount Dora, Florida.

Stop by for a glass, visit during one of each month’s two wine tastings or one beer tasting event held on Saturday evenings, or plan an event at Maggie’s Attic and share the wealth with all your friends, family and colleagues. Maggie’s has something for most everyone.

To learn more about Maggie’s Attic, their Wine and Beer Clubs or the monthly events, visit Maggie’s Attic online or call them at 352-383-5451 and indulge your adult privilege with some of Maggie’s Attic finest.





Rori Paul
Blogger  *  Freelance Writer  *  Social Media Marketing Specialist 

RoriTravel's Florida
Follow me on Twitter at: twitter.com/roritravel

PAWS for Mount Dora - Discover our Pet Friendly Downtown

The inaugural PAWS for Mount Dora event held on Sunday, April 11th was fabulous.  Nearly 200 individuals and 65 pets attended the event at which we raffled off over $400 in fabulous prizes including restaurant gift certificates, pet friendly lodging, pet supplies, T-shirts and many other items.

The next PAWS event will be held on Mother's Day, May 9th from 1pm to 5pm.  Bring mom & fido out for an afternoon of fun and prizes as you make your way through downtown and discover pet friendly shopping & dining! 

Check out the PAWS video of the first event at this link:  PAWS for Mount Dora Video.

A BIG thanks to our wonderful sponsors who make this event possible:

Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association, Inc.

Hobscot Pet Supplies

Mt Dora Sushi & Steak

Maison En Ville

Mount Dora Cottages

Tremain Street Cottages

Lakeside Inn

Daily Commercial

Mount Dora Community Trust

PAWS for Mount Dora - Discover our Pet Friendly Town

Sweepstakes Winners & their Mount Dora experience.

I had the opportunity the other day to interview the winners of the Mount Dora Play, Shop, Dine & Stay Summer Sweepstakes via email and wanted to share their comments and experience with everyone. The getaway sweepstakes is a promotion sponsored by the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc. in conjuction with WhatToDoInMountDora.com in an effort to create awareness of our fabulous town as a destination.


Frank & Arlene Miracola from Northport, FL were the July sweepstakes winners chosen randomly from nearly 2000 email entries at that time, there are almost twice that many entries as of today. Frank & Arlene won a lodging, dining, shopping & activity spree in Mount Dora worth $600. I will share her comments as she provided them.

A big thanks to all of the participating merchants who have made this program a big success for Mount Dora. Some of you are well thought of as you will see from Arlene's comments. Congrats on receiving such a glowing report.







Dear Brian,

We are more then happy to reply about our wonderful "weekend" in Mt. Dora as the Getaway winners. We got to Mt Dora on Saturday and were greeted by our gracious and very accommodating hosts John and Arthur proprietors of the beautifully appointed Adora Inn. To say it was a serene and calming home is an understatement.

We left our bags and proceeded to Pure Aveda. The staff immediately had us defrazzled with their attention to our needs. We each had 1 hour massages( h e a v e n) What a way to start our weekend. We definitely will be booking another round when we return in December.

We wandered around our fave shops for a while and went down to Goblin Market to inquire about their menu and late dinner reservations. The hostess Diane was just so happy to hear we were the weekend winners and made our dinner plans for us. The dinner was above and beyond what we expected and we now have a new cocktail suggested by Diane " Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini" yum yum yum!!!

We then strolled over to the Frog and Monkey to listen to a great band and had a couple of Blue Moon drafts. The evening ended with a walk in the full moonlight back to Adora. We had the Tree House room with roman bath. We both slept like very sated, pampered and spoiled babies. Breakfast was superbly prepared the next morning by our hosts who made us feel like family. John and Arthur are truly genuine and unpretentious.

Sunday was shopping day and I think we hit every place in town. Wine from Maggies Attic, Coffee, candles and caviar from Dianes Tasteful Indulgences, Jewelry and candles from Emz on 5th. Lots of trinkets and gifts from Whispering Winds. We revisited One Flight Up and the best Cuban we ever ate at Chew Chew express. Every one of these aforementioned places were just so nice and happy to hear we were the weekend winners.

Of course we always visit Timeless Keepsakes and the owner there is a very nice woman and didn't have a problem when we asked if she participated in Dora dollars. We can't say enough about what a glorious time we had. We sincerely thank everyone for all the attention and good will we felt.

We love Mt Dora and can't wait to return to our favorite escape. We would like to make one suggestion, It would be really helpful if the winners were given a list of merchants who accept Dora Dollars with the packet. A few times it was embarrassing for us as some shop keepers didn't know or had to ask someone and it was a bit tense in a few situations. Otherwise IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!

Thank you again,
Fondly.
Arlene + Frank Miracola
North Port Florida

Shop til you drop at the End of Summer Sidewalk Sale!

Bidding adieu to the Summer and welcoming in our Fall and Winter Season is just one good reason for Mount Dora's Downtown shops and merchants to hold the End of Summer Sidewalk Sale!! Many merchants and store owners will be putting sale items on display outside their storefronts for visitors and potential buyers to better view the unique items available for purchase at special discounted prices! From Friday, starting at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. that night, and Saturday from 10 until 8 and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Mount Dora's shops and sidewalks will be overflowing with an abundance of many wonderful and terrific savings for the shopper in all of us!! To add to the excitement of all of these fantastic shopping opportunities, many of our restaurants will be hosting live entertainment for your listening enjoyment and dining pleasure!

So make plans to come to Downtown Mount Dora and SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP on Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 25th, 26th and 27th!

For more information about the event, call 352-383-2165

This End of Summer Sidewalk Sale is sponsored by The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association.

Source: Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association

Put on your shoes & relax at Donnelly Euro Footwear.

September Super Savings for V.I.P.'s

We have to make room for thousands of new shoes coming in the store starting in October.

Greetings!

This is your chance to save REALLY BIG on the brands you love most. The BUY 3 GET 1 FREE special can be used on any Mephisto, Rieker, NAOT, Birkenstock, UGGS sandal, or Simple footwear.

There are even steeper discounts on discontinued styles and colors. 20% to 60% OFF. Even these sale shoes can be used in the BUY 3 GET 1 FREE event. Hurry in because they are going fast.

Sale ends when they are all gone!

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Jim and Mary Ella Timberlake
Donnelly Euro Footwear

Florida Highwaymen Art Walk in Mount Dora starts Friday!

Don't miss your chance to see Florida Highwaymen art up close and personal while you shop and dine in 22 Mount Dora locations. Pick up your tour map at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, return it stamped from 18 of the locations and be entered to win $600 Dora Dollars for your very own Mount Dora Play, Shop, Dine & Stay Getaway. Get stamped at all 22 locations and we'll enter you twice!

Tour starts on Friday, July 24 and runs through Friday, August 7th from 11:00m to 5:00pm daily. Come out and experience the art of the Florida Highwaymen in the shops and restaurants of Downtown, Historic Mount Dora.

Shop and Dine & Experience the Art of the Florida Highwaymen!

Florida Highwaymen Art Walk brought to you by:

Mount Dora Center for the Arts
Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc.
FloridaHighwaymen.com

Starting July 24th through August 7th experience the art of the Famous Florida Highwaymen as 22 Mount Dora shops and restaurants from the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Assn., Inc. become a Highwaymen Art Gallery.

Starting at the Mount Dora Center for the arts you will stroll through town at your leisure from 11:00am to 5:00pm and at select locations experience Highwaymen art from the private collection of renowned collector Geoff Cook. Much of the art you will experience has just returned from a display at the Florida Secretary of the State's office in Tallahassee.

Have your tour map validated with a stamp at 18 participating locations, drop your map off at the Center for the Arts and be entered to win $600 "Dora Dollars" for your very own Mount Dora shopping, dining, activity and lodging spree. Visit all 22 participating locations and be entered twice.

Participants will also be entered into the Mount Dora Getaway Sweepstakes with a value of $600. Visit www.MountDoraArt.com for more details about the Highwaymen and the 2 day festival in August where you will be able to meet the artists in person.

The Secret Garden of Mount Dora summer sale!

The Secret Garden at 442 N. Donnelly Street is having a huge Anniversary Sale with 20% off storewide on regular priced items for a limited time starting July 1^st! This is our biggest sale EVER! Great prices on apparel, hats, jewelry, gifts and décor.

We are located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora and offer a unique shopping experience. Drop by to see our wide selection of fashions and gifts with a distinctive and tasteful Victorian flair.

Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association Dora Dollar program!

The first winner in the drawing for the $100.00 Mount Dora Village Merchant & Business Association "Dora Dollars" was Merchant Association member George Gregory from Memories & Marvels. I asked George what he did with the $100.00 over the weekend and he replied;

"We had a delicious dinner at the Beauclaire Dinning Room at the Lakeside Inn. With the remaining dollars we bought coupons at the Big Twist so that our nine grand kids can experience his delicious premium soft serve ice cream."
George

The "Dora Dollar" program was created by the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association to entice members and potential members of the association to attend the monthly meeting. It is also intended to create awareness of local shopping and dining opportunities amongst Merchant members.

The Dollars are won in a drawing of business cards from a bowl at the meeting. For your chance to win the $100.00 "Dora Dollars" plan on attending the next monthly meeting of the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association. The meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Donnelly House (Masonic Temple) at 5:30pm. Come at 5:00pm and enjoy refreshments from Merchant member restaurants while networking with members and guests.

See you at the meeting.

Brian

Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association Play, Shop, Dine & Stay Sweepstakes!

The Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc. and it's 80 members is sponsoring a Mount Dora Getaway sweepstakes this summer. Register to win at www.WhatToDoInMountDora.com. No purchase necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes!

Winner will receive accommodations for 2 at their choice of any member lodging establishment, dinner and brunch at any member restaurant, a shopping spree at any member shop or store and an activity at any member spa or tour operation.

Register to win and stay tuned for more details.

Scenes from the 2009 Antique & Trades Fair

Lucille Ball showed up on Saturday for the Antique & Trades Fair. Thank you Grace for driving her around town in the golf cart all afternoon.

In spite of the Sunday morning downpour the entire event was a big success. This year's event featured over 95 collectors, crafters & artists displaying and selling their wares. One of my friends who makes custom jewelry sold so much on Saturday that I had to help her make more to display in her booth on Sunday. Not bad considering the current economic conditions. Thanks to all of you who braved the weather and the economic climate to come to Mount Dora for the Antique & Trades Fair.

Next year's event promises to be even bigger so stay tuned for details.

Brian

Country Charm...

My friend Judy from my ballroom dance days back in Orlando came up to Mount Dora for her birthday this month. She had never been to Downtown Mount Dora so I took her on a little tour. We didn't get too far before she wandered into Linda's Country Charm on the corner of 5th Ave. and Donnelly. She could have died and gone to heaven it seemed.

I am not much of a shopper but I did get a kick out of taking photos of Judy making her way down every single aisle of the store. She has a love for all things "cat" and Linda has a number of cat related items in her shop in addition to a million other trinkets. Even after passing each aisle at least twice Judy made plans to return in the morning after brunch. Truly a dedicated shopper!

So guys, bring your cameras and let the ladies do their shopping.

Brian

Mount Dora Merchants & Business Assn. Press Release for Antiques & Trades Fair

Mount Dora's Annual Antique & Trade Fair ~ Where you can Drop, Shop & Win

The Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association is proud to sponsor its upcoming 13th Annual Antique & Trade Fair scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29 from 9am-5pm.

"We're excited to host this year's event", said Terry Abbott, the Association's Promotions & Events Committee Chairman, "we've got lots of great dealers joining us this year, many of whom have participated in our past events. We'll see the historic downtown streets come alive with this two-day event, which will also feature live musical entertainment the Friday evening before the event, as well as Saturday evening. It's sure to be a great weekend for both our residents and visitors to shop and play in our great town."

At this event, the Association will be accepting canned & dry food donations for one of our newest community groups, "Lake Cares", a food bank now serving the Lake County area. "We recognize the growing needs in our community during these challenging economic times", said Leigh Love, President of the Association, "and we are pleased to have the opportunity to accept donations on behalf of this worthwhile group during our event."

Debra Paradis, Lake Cares Board President, encourages our attendees that donate at our show to tape a quarter to your canned or dry food donation. Paradis says, "with your monetary donation, we can buy up to nine times in food value with our purchasing power". The Association will be accepting both food and monetary donations for Lake Cares at the Antique & Trade Welcome Tent, located in the center of the fair on Donnelly & Fourth Streets.

Show attendees that donate to Lake Cares will automatically be entered into the Association's Antique & Trade Fair Raffle; all others can purchase a ticket to win for $1. The winner of this raffle will receive a gift basket valued at up to $500 worth of Mount Dora merchants goods & services and will be announced at the conclusion of the event on Sunday, March 29th at 5pm.

For more information on the 2009 13th Annual Mount Dora Antique & Trade Fair, please call 1-866-683-6722 or visit our website at www.mtdora.org. The Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to publicize the city of Mount Dora through advertising, promotions & local events.

For more information on Lake Cares, Inc., a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization, please contact Debra Paradis at (352) 552-3833 or 2001 W. Old Highway #441, Ste. #1, Mount Dora, FL 32757.

Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association

Contact: Brian Young, Secretary

Address: PO Box 378

Mount Dora, FL 32756

PH: (321) 948-3621

www.mtdora.org